The Continental Mini-series Review

The Continental [The Continental: From the World of John Wick] (2023)
Mini-series - 3 episodes

Rent The Continental on Amazon Video (paid link)
Created by: Greg Coolidge, Shawn Simmons, Kirk Ward
Starring: Mel Gibson, Colin Woodell, Mishel Prada, Hubert Point-Du Jour, Nhung Kate, Jessica Allain, Ben Robson
Rated: TV-MA
Watch the trailer

Plot
Set in 1970s NYC, Winston Scott recruits a team to take on a vast conspiracy triggered by his brother's attack on The Continental. This reveals the violent origins of the iconic hotel-for-assassins in the John Wick universe.

Verdict
Thankfully this isn't a John Wick clone. It's a simple revenge tale with just enough style and surprises to keep it engaging. Setting it in the '70s means we get a fantastic soundtrack. The is style over substance. Without the setting and mood, I probably wouldn't like this as much as it's the only thing that sets this apart.
Watch It.

Review
This has a great premise. The hotel in John Wick was an intriguing place when it first appeared as it provided a location for lots of interesting characters. Thankfully this doesn't try to connect directly to John Wick which would be a mistake. This needs to and does stand on its own.

A heist is what kicks off the plot. It's a neat trick, using a subway car to pull the door off the vault. I don't know the odds of the door and train lining up, but it's still fun. That's what brings in Winston (Colin Woodell). He's our connection to the movie franchise as well as the Continental Hotel. Winston's brother stole a coin press from the hotel, and Cormac (Mel Gibson) has tasked Winston with getting it back.

Colin Woodell plays Winston Scott

Winston's brother Frankie (Ben Robson) is the thief, and that's why Winston is tasked with finding him. It's the usual routine of find the culprit and the prize or die. Winston recruits a team to instead take down Cormac. Everyone is after everyone. The High Table is mad at Cormac for first losing the press and second failing to secure it promptly. 

Mel Gibson plays the villain, which is easy to buy with all of his real life drama and persona.

Mel Gibson plays Cormac O'Connor

This is quick at only three episodes. The final episode is the big heist/fight to bring down Cormac. This has some nice twists and turns with unexpected alliances. As expected, this provides insight on how Winston came to run the hotel.

I like the dirty '70s New York setting. This show is dark and moody, creating a great vibe. Add the 70's soundtrack, and this show has a lot of style. The story isn't much more than a revenge drama, but the time period makes it seem like more. Winston must avenge his criminal brother and all that follows isn't anything new.